Andrew Carey
UBER has launched its new state-of-the-art offices where upwards of 400 people will be employed in the heart of Limerick – all part of the much needed revitalisation of the city centre according to Minister’s Michael Noonan and Jan O’Sullivan who this Monday opened its centre of excellence.
The Thomas Street centre, the first outside the US, will become a major hub of Uber’s support organisation across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, driving innovation and service excellence for the community of users in the region.
Limerick’s hub will support millions of riders and tens of thousands of partner-drivers in more than 30 cities in 10 countries.
Following a €4m investment in the city Uber aims to make Limerick one of its growing network of customer service hubs across the world.
Michael Noonan, Minister for Finance, said:
“The establishment of Uber’s Centre of Excellence is another fantastic announcement for Limerick City. When the centre is fully operational there will be 300 people working in the heart of the city. 2015 was a record year for creating jobs, with Limerick benefiting from an influx of foreign direct investment. The establishment of this Centre of Excellence is a great start to 2016 and I wish Uber well with this exciting project.”
Jan O’Sullivan, Minister for Education, said:
“Uber has hit the ground running in Limerick and the opening of this Centre of Excellence in the heart of Limerick City is another sign of the €4m investment the company is making in our city and its workforce. Already approximately 100 high-skilled jobs have been filled at Uber and this will reach 300 when the Centre of Excellence is fully operational.
“The location of the Centre of Excellence is also a massive boost for Limerick City centre and the presence of the Uber workforce is already having a positive impact on neighbouring local businesses. The excellent further and higher education institutions in Limerick and their place at the cutting edge of research was a major pull factor for the company in choosing Limerick as a Centre of Excellence and underlines yet again the importance of investment in education.”
Kieran Harte, General Manager for Uber Ireland said:
“We are proud to be opening the first Centre of Excellence outside the US in Ireland. The Centre is dedicated to delivering a world class support experience and we have been focused on hiring only the highest calibre of people. The majority of our employees are local, which speaks to the wealth of talent in the greater Limerick area. We look forward to the Centre growing in Limerick as Uber’s business grows across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and throughout Ireland.”
